the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Chad Brand

A Bridge Too Far? Charles Leiter and an Over-Realized Soteriology

In his classic account of the battle of Arnhem in World War II, Cornelius Ryan details that though the Allies won the battle, they extended themselves more than they should have by going one bridge too far in their planning, causing unnecessary loss of life. Charles Leiter has written a helpful book on justification and regeneration, one that fills a gap at the layman’s level. This book has many helpful things to say about the relationship between these two aspects of the doctrine of salvation. At the end of the day, however, I am concerned that the book goes too far in its exposition of regeneration, farther than Scripture would allow.

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March 25, 2013

The Five Political Points of Calvinism

Here is an excerpt from my forthcoming book with Tom Pratt, Seeking the City.

One of the great questions that has been raised by historians is whether or not John Calvin’s views were the basis of later Republicanism, such as that which prevailed in the American experience in the 1770’s and 1780’s. The best answer seems to be that Jefferson and Madison worked out an approach to government that was consistent with some Calvinist ideals, especially in regards to human depravity and the need for limited government, but clearly not identical. (more…)
September 17, 2012

Most Influential Books in My Life

I saw that another SBTS faculty member posted a list of spiritual classics. I have been often asked by students and church members about the books that have most influenced my life. (more…)

July 31, 2012

The Gospel Clothed in Profanity

Some of us have spent several weeks looking forward to the appearance of the History Channel’s mini-series, Hatfields and McCoys. With a stellar cast (Kevin Costner, Bill Paxton, Tom Berenger and others), and produced by Kevin Costner (among others), the trailers have been whetting my historical appetite for some time, not least due to the fact that the events took place not far from where I have been pastoring for the last year and a half. (more…)

June 8, 2012
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.